Top European junior team PREMA joins IndyCar for 2025

PREMA Racing will join the IndyCar grid in 2025 and run two full-time cars in the championship.

The Italian team has become a juggernaut within junior single-seater racing in Europe, with competitive cars in numerous series.

Its extensive alumni include 1995 Indy 500 winner Jacques Villeneuve and current IndyCar and WEC driver Callum Ilott.

PREMA have also developed multiple current Formula 1 drivers, including Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, who both won the FIA Formula 2 title with the team.

"Today's announcement marks a pivotal moment in the history of PREMA Racing. Making the step to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and competing in the world-famous Indianapolis 500, is a dream coming true for our family and everyone involved in our business," team Principal Rene Rosin said via premaracing.com.

"We have tremendous respect for INDYCAR, its unique challenges and sensational history, and we look forward to being part of it."

PREMA will run two Chevrolet-powered cars in 2025, marking the team's first attempt at the Indy 500.

“While competing in INDYCAR will not be easy, we are determined to put in our best effort, learn as quickly as possible and become leading contenders right from the start," Rosin added. "The desire to fight for victory is our driving force, and the thoroughness of the challenge will give us even more motivation to succeed."

The team was founded in 1983 by Angelo Rosin and has won 80 titles throughout its history. 

This expansion into IndyCar and North America will push PREMA further into professional motorsport alongside its many junior championships on the road to Formula 1.

The team was a formidable force in the World Endurance Championship's LMP2 class until the category departed the series at the end of 2023.

There were no announcements on the team's driver lineup or sponsors ahead of its expansion into the US, with details on such matters expected later this year.

IndyCar President Jay Frye eagerly anticipates PREMA's arrival to IndyCar.

“PREMA Racing, with their global reach and extraordinary presence in open-wheel racing, will be a great addition to our growing and highly competitive paddock," Frye said. "We look forward to seeing Rene and PREMA on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES grid in 2025.”